Bright Light Projects trains Youths on breaking Barriers, Building Peace and Empowering Young Women in Fundong’s Traditional Councils
4 min read
On June 12, 2025, Bright Light Projects, a Cameroonian NGO, hosted a transformative one-day training workshop in Fundong, Northwest Region, Cameroon. Titled Breaking Barriers, Building Peace: Integrating Young Women’s Voices into Fundong’s Traditional Councils, this initiative aimed to empower young women and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to engage meaningfully in traditional governance and community decision-making.
According to Mr. Shing Praise, the program coordinator for Cameroon, there is a need for youths, particularly young women, to be involved in decision-making at all levels. While thanking LOYOC and partners for funding the project, He further reiterated the need for inclusivity in traditional councils when discussing policies that directly or indirectly concern community members. The programme coordinator equally stated that the training falls within the Bright Light Projects programming area, which is aimed at empowering women and building peaceful societies.
While addressing gender disparities in peacebuilding efforts, Bright Light Projects targeted Fundong, which, like other communities in Cameroon that faces deep-rooted gender inequality in peace processes and community development. Women have historically been excluded from decision-making bodies, particularly traditional councils that play a crucial role in conflict resolution. This exclusion has not only marginalized women and girls but also negatively impacted young men, limiting their inheritance rights and contributing to unresolved community conflicts.
Fang Sudrine, one of the participants, shared that the training had a profound impact on her life, emphasizing the importance of organizing similar programs in the future. She expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to learn about gender equality and the necessity for women to raise their voices. The knowledge gained has inspired her to take action, and she is committed to applying the lessons learned while empowering other young girls to report cases of gender-based violence. In her message of appreciation, she thanked Bright Light Projects for their efforts and assured them that she is ready to contribute to positive change within her community.
Recognizing these challenges, Bright Light Projects training was aimed at raising awareness about the negative impacts of gender inequality on peace processes and development and equipping women with leadership and conflict resolution skills. Their participation in local councils will foster dialogue with men to promote inclusive decision-making and help in advocating for women’s participation in traditional councils. This training equally strengthened the capacity of community leaders to sustain gender equality efforts beyond the project’s duration. Therefore, by integrating young women into traditional governance structures, the initiative has created more equitable and representative leadership, ensuring that peacebuilding efforts reflect the needs of the entire community as women were advised and empowered to take part in traditional council meetings.
Over 50 participants attended the training, including youth leaders, facilitators from diverse professional backgrounds, and community representatives. The workshop provided a safe space for discussion, allowing women to voice their concerns, explore solutions, and gain confidence in their leadership potential. Through interactive sessions, participants were engaged in practical exercises focused on advocacy, negotiation, and leadership strategies. By fostering constructive dialogue between men and women, the event encouraged collective responsibility in breaking long-standing barriers that hinder gender equality and participation in traditional councils.
The workshop embraced the Theory of Change, which posits that providing education and training on gender-inclusive practices will enable community members to challenge discriminatory traditions, advocate for women’s inclusion in governance, and promote fairer resource distribution. This model underscores the belief that inclusive decision-making leads to sustainable peace and social justice.
The success of this training highlights the growing momentum for gender-inclusive governance in Fundong. By equipping young women with leadership skills and fostering community-wide engagement, Bright Light Projects is laying the foundation for a more just and peaceful society. Moving forward, sustained advocacy and training will be essential in ensuring that women not only gain access to traditional councils but also actively contribute to policy discussions and development efforts. The ripple effects of such initiatives extend beyond Fundong, offering valuable lessons for similar communities across Cameroon.
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
